Disclaimer: The Twilight book series and all recognizable characters and situations belong to Stephanie Meyer I don't own any of that. But I do so love her stage.
Anything written in italics is a flashback, random thought, or text message depending on the context.
A\N: Thank you for reading, following and reviewing this story. It means the world to me.
Chapter 28: Fidelity Part 2
Leah's Pov
Seagaia National Park
Mark took it upon himself to hold Seth and Collins water bottles for them so they could drink in wolf form. I laughed at their antics. I almost didn't notice the disturbance in the air until Delta Allen lunged at me knocking me down just as a rifle shot cracked out in the still morning air.
"Don't phase and don't move," he commanded tensely covering my body protectively with his own. I could feel the tension rolling off of him.
"Somebody's shooting?" I was so shook up I could barely form the words. My heart felt like it was beating out of my chest.
Delta Allen shifted his dead-weight slightly to the side so I could actually draw air into my lungs. He raised his hand for silence and made a beckoning motion. I heard Collin and Seth shuffling closer until they flanked me. I was surrounded by wolves on three sides and could barely move.
"Where's Mark?" I whispered when I realized I couldn't see the young wolf."
"Right here," I heard his voice from somewhere behind me.
Delta Allen shook his head silently communicating for us to be quiet. He took his time looking around the area. He even searched the tree tops with his eyes.
I was starting to calm down when another shot rang out closer this time. I heard it ricochet off one of the nearby trees. The shooter was practically on top of us.
Delta Allen said, "We need to move. Seth, Collin phase. Follow me and stay as low as possible. Once we get safely to cover we will all phase. There's a compound near here we'll head there."
My teeth were starting to chatter. Who the hell would be shooting near hiking trails? The next ten minuets or so passed in an adrenaline laced haze. We literally had to crawl at times between several rocks and trees.
Eventually Delta Allen deemed it safe to phase. From there it was a race through the forest to reach a wide but winding dirt road. One minuet we were running and the next we approached a huge cave set deep in an overhang.
We stopped at an entry point with barricades and guards carrying rifles. Apparently we were expected, because a large gray wolf trotted up to us and linked to our pack mind. Delta Allen reviewed his memories of the shots and the two started talking in their language.
Abruptly, Delta Allen said, "Follow us." We sprinted down a steep paved path that opened into a huge valley completely surrounded by mountains. The compound looked like an active military base bustling with energy.
Numerous timbered buildings and what looked like clapboard barracks were nestled among the trees. People were out and about mostly wearing fatigues and black military boots. Some black ATV's were being driven around or stood parked randomly alongside curbs. I could see an airstrip in the distance.
Our designation was a three story building slightly isolated from the rest of the base. Delta Allen led us around the building, to a changing spa attached to the the back.
I took a long shower the hot water relaxing my body. I wished I had some of my favorite shower gel but settled for one of the generic soap bars I found unopened on a shelf nearby.
I looked around for something to wear since all of our stuff was laying shredded somewhere in the mountains. At least I'd managed to hold on to my backpack with my hairbrush, make-up and change of underwear.
I found a cabinet filled with stacks of new fatigues and some boots. I pulled on a pair of camouflage pants and a dark green t-shirt. The boots were to big for me so I stuffed the tips with socks to make them fit.
A door was open at the end of the hall and I could hear Seth and Delta Allen; so I followed their voices into a break room. There was a galley kitchen and several round tables with salt and pepper shakers on them.
Seth stood up from one of the tables, "Hey sis they delivered food but we waited for you."
He indicated the sub sandwiches, chips, drinks, and relishes spread out on the kitchen counter. I made a plate and went to join them and we all ate in silence.
"The lounge area's through here," Delta Allen said when we were finished.
We followed him into an open space that reminded me of Sam's warehouse back in La Push. There was an entrance that reminded me of grocery store doors. The room was divided into sections.
The west side was mostly empty with glossy wood floors and a rostrum. The east side had a large fireplace, some seating groupings, and a pool table. The guys settled on the sofa's.
I was restless and leaned up against the wall, "So what happened?"
Seth cleared his throat, "Maybe they were hunting?"
Delta Allen looked dubious, "I doubt it. That was a sniper using a high powered rifle. Anyway, hunting is illegal in this area during the National Runs."
"Well people break the law all the time," I replied.
Delta Allen said, "That's true but..."
A sound of the door opening interrupted us. Elijah entered the room wearing cargo pants paired with a polo shirt and laced up canvas shoes.
I felt my my breath catch in my throat. I didn't want to be caught ogling him, but I had never seen my man dressed so casually. He sure looked sexy.
He strode right over and pulled me into a hug. "Leah are you okay?," he whispered against my neck. I nodded and hugged him tighter. We held each other briefly and then he turned to greet the others.
By unspoken agreement we all walked over to the couches and seated ourselves.
Elijah said to Delta Allen, "Alright, I want to hear from you what actually happened."
Delta Allen nodded and told him everything.
Elijah looked at me thoughtfully, "Just to be safe, our first priority is to increase your security detail."
I frowned, "Why? Obviously, we weren't the target."
Elijah rubbed the back of his neck, "We don't know that."
I sighed, "Okay, but can I be in on the interviews?"
Elijah's lips twitched, "We're not planning interviews, but you can be involved in the selection."
I smirked at him, "Thank you."
He started to speak again, but hesitated and squared his shoulders.
It was a move so out of character for him that I grabbed his hand, "What's wrong?"
He said, "I have something to tell you. I just ask that you hear me out before you say anything."
My brother muttered, "It's about time." under his breath.
Delta Allen pushed back his chair, "Guys look maybe we should give them some ..."
He didn't finish his sentence because the door opened and Beta Alexe came in looking grim. He glanced over us as a group. "Is everyone okay?" he asked tensely.
Seth said, "We're fine in fact we were just.."
Beta Alexe waved his hand abruptly cutting him off, just as Adam rushed in the room looking worried.
Myself, Elijah, Seth, Mark, Delta Allen and Collin, we all stood up anxiously.
I remember thinking if the unflappable Adam is this emotional, he must have really bad news!
"What is it? Is it mom?" Seth blurted out.
"Your mom's fine and I'm glad you all are okay," Beta Alexe said distractedly.
Adam went straight to Elijah, "Sir excuse us for interrupting but Barnabus Obikan has been found."
Elijah looked at them soberly, "He's not well."
Adam said, "There's been a car accident. He's in surgery even as we speak."
Elijah's ran his hand tiredly over his eyes, "Then we must offer prayers for his speedy recovery."
Adam patted him on the back sympathetically, "I know it's not a good time but we have to go. We can plan on the way back."
"Uvimayah?" Elijah inquired.
Beta Alexe said, "He arrived yesterday. Everyone's waiting on you."
"Okay it's a go," Elijah said and looked right at me, "Leah? I'd like to invite you to ride with me, but most of what we will be discussing is classified."
I felt like I just had a deja vu. "Go take care of what your business. I hope your friend gets better," I said softly.
Elijah leaned in to kiss me softly, "i will plan on coming to see you tomorrow morning. Let's walk out together."
Julien and another man were standing by A shinny black Hummer. A second Hummer with bullet proof windows was waiting for us.
It had been an exhausting day and I slept most of the trip back to Jeroisa City, which turned out to be a good thing. I went straight to bed when I got home.
Unfortunately, I got called in to the hospital a couple of hours later. Another resident went into labor unexpectedly and I needed to cover the last two hours of her shift.
I was just finishing up when I happened to run into Dr. Crain and Cevin Eryin by the elevators.
She brightened, "Leah I know you're about to go home. But can you do me a favor and escort Alpha Eryin up to Mr. Obikan's room? He's in the private wing in room 304 B. He has a restricted visitor list but both you and Alpha Eryin are on it."
I am?, "Ah sure." I stammered.
The elevator buzzed and Cevin and I stepped on. It felt awkward because in spite of the study, we'd never had a personal conversation.
I focused on the blinking light showing the passing floors, "So have you met Mr. Obvikan?"
"Yes but I'm here tonight to represent Pack Eryin," he replied in a gruff voice.
The elevator opened and we stepped off. Although I'd never been in this wing, I could guess where room 304 was located.
I started down the corridor, "So did they find the totem yet?"
Cevin Eryin stopped abruptly pivoting around to face me, "Excuse me?"
I met his eyes, "The Canis Totem did they find it?'
He raised his chin, "I wouldn't know. I wasn't privy to the fact that they lost it. What happened?"
My heart dropped. I moved around him and resumed walking, "I can't tell you. I've probably said to much already.'
"Don't worry I won't tell your secret," he said quietly.
I found room 304 and there was a policeman stationed outside. He opened the door for us.
I'm not sure what I expected but the man on the bed was elderly. He reminded me of a wizard with his long white hair and beard.
A nurse who looked young enough to be in high school was writing on a chart. She looked up, "Well hello there."
Cevin Eryin walked over and said some ritualistic sounding words over the patient. He pulled an engraved card from his pocket and put on the table next to several others.
I looked closer. I recognized the Pack Lightfoot symbol on a burgundy and gold card. There was a black and silver one with the La Push and Pack Bishop symbols side by side.
A gorgeous royal blue and silver card had a stylized crown instead of a symbol. Cevin's was cream and burnt orange.
I said, "They're beautiful. Is there a meaning to them?"
Cevin Eryin said, "Yes, we use these to offer our pack's well wishes. It's only been a few hours. I imagine Red Barnabus will get hundreds over the next few days."
I raised my eyebrows, "Red Barnabus?"
He grinned at me, "He used to have bright red hair."
I looked at the cards again. "I'm surprised Korzka didn't leave one," I said to myself.
Cevin must have heard me because he frowned and bent closer to look at the cards, "He did."
He tapped the blue and silver one with his finger. We both looked up when the door slid open to reveal Julien and Beta Alexe accompanied by another of Elijah's entourage.
Cevin stood up abruptly, "What's the Elite Black Guard doing back here this late?" he said to no one in particular.
I had the distinct impression he'd been trying to avoid them.
Julien and Beta Alexe each took a spot on either side of the door. The third guard took up a similar position outside in the hall.
Elijah strode into the room. I noticed he had a haircut since I last saw him. He looked amazing in a custom made blue suit paired with a white silk shirt and his signature loafers. His tie and pocket square were Quileute red.
A tangible alpha demeanor radiated off his body, compelling the rest of us even Cevin Eryin, to lower our heads and expose our necks. The nurse curtsied.
Elijah walked over to me and took my hand. Raising it to his lips for a chaste kiss he said, "Hello Leah".
His gesture felt incredibly intimate. I breathed deeply savoring his scent, "Hello there."
"May I speak with you?," he asked so softly I had to strain to hear him.
I could guess what the fuss was all about. Cevin just called them "The Elite Black Guard." That explained a lot.
The Black Guard Lucacinia's version of the secret service, has a branch called The Elite Black Guard. They are the Wolf Kings personal protection detail.
My best guess is my imprint is one of them! It certainly explains his loyalty to the king.
In fact so many of them being here, Elijah, Julien, Beta Alexe, and the ones outside, made me think the Alpha Rex himself wasn't far behind them.
My heart sped up and I felt slightly nauseous. In spite of my doubts about him, I could be about to meet the infamous wolf!
I watched the door expectantly, "So where is the Wolf King?"
The only sounds in the room were the beep from the medical equipment, and Obikan's labored breathing.
Julien and Beta Alexe refused to meet my eyes. Cevin Eryin looked confused for a moment, then gaped at me incredulously. He jerked his head in Elijah's direction.
An uneasy premonition raced along my spine. He didn't mean Elijah, did he? No! no! There is no way my imprint is the Wolf King!
Except he is, I saw the truth in Elijah's eyes right before he said, "I'm right here."
I was stunned into silence as a pure unadulterated anger rushed through my body. Are you telling me I imprinted on the freaking Wolf King?
There had been clues all along. Lucacinians were always bowing and curtsying to him. He knew personal antidotes about the True Alpha wolves of the Round Table.
He knew the Avis Rex personally. He even asked about Uvimayah, the Felidae Rex earlier today.
I opened my mouth and closed it. "How could you?," I spat the words out before I could stop them.
I didn't give him time to answer my question. I just raised my hand and slapped Elijah hard, and he let me. He didn't even try to move. He just closed his eyes and allowed my hand to connect.
Gasps resonated around the room as all eyes riveted on me. Expressions ranged from, what the hell? to disbelief. I felt my eyes widen aghast at my own behavior.
With a slow spreading chill I realized I just slapped the King of Lucacini. Oh. My. Gosh. A couple of days ago I'd been making out with the king of Lucacini!...Oh! Perfect, Just Perfect!
A\N: Next chapter: Blindsided
Added 3-8-17
Alright I updated this chapter so I could add this note. I been waiting a long time to see what people thought of this chapter. Did you guys love it? hate it? Anything?
I hope for some feedback since this chapter was so important to me. It kinda inspired the whole story. =)
If you are considering leaving me a note just know feedback is very meaningful and motivational for me.
Thank You
